Episode 26. The Tippling Philosophers
Sunday, 8th July 2007, 5.05pm, Radio Scotland
The great thinkers of the Edinburgh Enlightenment didn’t always take themselves seriously. John Purser introduces some 18th century intellectual drinking songs, and the world premiere of the satirical and bawdy ‘Philosopher’s Opera’ - a kind of Carry On Up the Royal Mile from 250 years ago. In it, the aging Mrs Sarah Presbytery, a one-time lover of John Calvin, seduces the atheist thinker Mr Genius, while Satan looks on, delighted at how Scotland is now coming under his sway.
Episode Playlist
- words: Allan Ramsay music: Richard Leveridge, arr David McGuinness/David Greenberg
The Tippling Philosophers
Susan Hamilton, soprano David McGuinness, harpsichord
BBC recording - Earl of Kellie - The Capillaire Minuet
Kist of Music
BBC recording - words: John McLaurin
music: arr William Thomson (Orpheus Caledonius, 2nd edn.)
The Philosopher’s Opera AIR II: Woe’s my heart that we should sunder
Susan Hamilton, soprano Jamie Macdougall, tenor
David Greenberg, violin Alison McGillivray, cello
David McGuinness, harpsichord
BBC recording - arr. James Oswald: Earl Douglas’s Lament,
David Greenberg, violin Alison McGillivray, cello
BBC recording - words: John McLaurin music: arr. Robert Bremner
The Philosopher’s Opera: Air VI - Nansy’s to the green wood gane
Jamie Macdougall, tenor
David Greenberg, violin Alison McGillivray, cello
David McGuinness, harpsichord
BBC recording - words: John McLaurin music: arr. Francesco Barsanti
The Philosopher’s Opera: AIR XVII - Logan Water
Susan Hamilton, soprano Jamie Macdougall, tenor
David Greenberg, violin Alison McGillivray, cello
David McGuinness, harpsichord
BBC recording - James Oswald: The Freemason’s Anthem
Cappella Nova/Alan Tavener
BBC recording - Alexander Monro: The Power of Drinking
Jamie Macdougall, tenor
David Greenberg, violin Alison McGillivray, cello
Gordon Ferries, guitar David McGuinness, harpsichord
BBC recording
